Portsmouth Taxidermy Case

Francis Artlett, described on his label as a 'Naturalist and Preserver of Birds, Beasts, etc, Carver, Gilder, Looking Glass & Picture Frame Manufacturer', was orginally based at 46 Commercial Road from c1855. He is thought to have taken over a business at 328 Commercial Road from another taxidermist, Thomas Cook and to have worked there until c1903.

A letter, which appeared in the Portsmouth Evening News, 31 October, 1889, mentioned Francis Artlett: "Mr A.C. Mills had shot a fine specimen [of a Marsh Harrier] in Farlington Marshes. It measured two feet in length and over four feet across the expanded wings and was preserved by Mr F. Artlett of Commercial Road, Landport."